Iran-backed Houthis expand conflict with Red Sea blockade

The Houthis, the Iranian-backed armed faction in Yemen, on Monday said they would impose a blockade on Saudi ships, threatening to open a new front in the Middle East conflict and raising the pressure on volatile global energy markets.

The announcement was made as many in the region were tensely watching to see if the rounds of bombardment between U.S. and Iranian forces in the Persian Gulf would continue to escalate.

The two countries traded new attacks on Monday, with Iran targeting countries that host U.S. military bases, despite efforts by mediators to calm tensions, and the United States then launching strikes on Iran for a 10th consecutive night.

Read more at New York Times